File.



No. 708,388. Patented Sept. 2, I902.

L. C. MGNEAL.

FILE.

xApplication filed Sept. 3. 1901.]

(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Shaet I.

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LUTHER O. MONEAL, OF ROCHESTER, NEW YORK.

FILE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 708,388, dated September 2, 1902.

Application filed September 3, 1901. Serial-No. 74,153. (No model.)

To all whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, LUTHER C. MCNEAL, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Rochester. in the county of Monroe and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Files, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to files such as are commonly employed principally for filing cards and paper slips. It relates to a means for securing the cards in a tray, drawer, frame, or card-support, means for operating said securing means, and to aiollowerdevice. The usual card, having a slot extending inward from its edge and an enlarged opening at the inner end of said slot, is used in connection with this device.

In the drawings, Figurel is a top plan view of a drawer provided with this invention. Fig. 2 is a section on the line 2 2 of Fig. 1 looking toward the right, parts being broken away to exhibit construction. Fig. 3 is a section on the line 33 of Fig. 2. Figs. 4t, 5, 6, 7, and S are elevations of details ofthe mechanism. Fig. 9 is a cross-section on the line 99 of Fig. 1 looking toward the right. Fig. 10 is a cross-section on the line 10 10 of Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is an elevation of the slotted portion of a card adapted for use with the securing devices of this invention. Fig. 12 is a top plan view of another form of the same invention. Fig. 13 is a cross-section on the line 13 13 of Fig. 12 looking upward,and Figs. 14,15,and 16 show modifications of the device.

The form of the device shown in Figs. 12 and 13 is the simpler form of the invention set forth herein; ,butin some respects the form shown in Figs. 1 to 8 is deemed preferable and will be described first.

As an example of a suitable form of frame,

tray, (1 rawer, or card-support the figures show a drawer A, having the sides a, the front end piece a, the back or rear end piece a and the bottom (L3. The bottom may be slotted or grooved, as shown at a, Figs. 2 and 3, for a purpose hereinafter described, but which is not necessary in connection with some forms of this invention. Longitudinally in the drawer and near the bottom thereof are placed two locking-bars B B, that are adapted to .move laterally toand from each other without longitudinal movement and in a plane C and to retain them in position.

parallel to the bottom of the drawer. The bars are rectangular in cross-section, but may have other shapes, as desired, such as cylindrical, triangular, hexagonal, the. At each end of the dr'awer is a pair of reciprocating operating-plates C 0 Figs. 4 and 5, that are integral with or otherwise fastened to the locking-bars. The plates of each pair stand vertically, one in front of the other, in each end of the drawer. Each plate is set transversely to itsoperating-bar and in the present form of the invention is provided with a socket c c for the end of one of the bars B B. In the present instance the end of the bar is reduced, as shown in Fig. 6, and the reduced end I) b is rectangular in cross-section and adapted to lit in the sockets c 0 respectively. If the plate O is in front of the plate 0, the bar B passes through an elongated slot 0 in the plate 0 and into the slot 0' in the plate O. The

end Z) of the barB in these same circumstances passes through the slot 0 in the plate 0 and is long enough to extend through the slot 0 in the plate 0. It is obvious that if the plate 0 is moved the bar B will be moved, but that its motion or throw will be limited by the ends of the slot 0 striking against the bar B, and vice versa, so that if the slots 0 0 have ends at properly-adj usted distances the limitations of the lateral movement of the bars B B may be determined by the lengths of said slots 0 0 The plates C C have other perforations, which will be described below.

The plates 0 O are guided in suitable paths by any suitable guiding means. I prefer, however, the form of guide shown in Fig. 7, consisting in a plate 0, having inwardlyfacing ways on its opposite edges, which may be produced by making the guide-plate of thin metal and turning the opposite parallel edges of the same over, as shown at 0, Figs. 3 and 7, which edges inclose the edges of the two plates 0 (J Slots 0 c maybe made in the plate 0 to accommodate the movements of the projecting ends b l) of the bars B B and of the operating-bar. These slots in the plate 0 are not essential, but maybe made to assist in the ease of construction and operation of the mechanism. Pins c" or other suitable projections in the plate 0 are employed to limit the lateral movement of the plates 0 Either or both of these means for limiting the throw of the operating-plates may be employed.

An operating mechanism is provided for actuating the pairs of plates at the ends of the drawer simultaneously and correspondingly, so that the bars B B may be separated and brought together while always parallel. Various mechanisms may be employed for producing these movements of the plate, and one mechanism for this purpose is an operating-bar D, preferably extending parallel to and beneath the bars B B and through both pairs of operating-plates. This bar D may be a rectangular flattened bar, as shown most clearly in Figs. 2 and 8, and may be thinned at the end, as shown at d, Fig. 8, in both edge and side View. The actuating-bar D passes through perforations in the plates 0 0 each of which perforations has a notch or recess d 01 fitting the edge of the reduced portion d of the bar and being always so enlarged as to permit the bar to tilt within the perforation to the proper degree. These perforations have their engaging portions or notches or recesses d d oppositely arranged, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, so that the notch or recess d engages the lower edge of the bar D, while the notch or recess d engages the upper edge thereof. (See Figs. 2, 41-, and 5.) It will be clear now that if the portion cl of the bar D passes through and engages in the notches or recesses d d of the plates 0 O and the bar D is tilted clockwise the plate 0 will be forced to the left and simultaneously the plate 0 will be forced to the right. It is further ob vious that each notch or recess cl d in the plates really constitutes an interdental space of a gear and the upper and lower edges of the bar D constitute two oppositely-arranged teeth of a gear meshing with the interdental spaces, recesses, or teeth d d that if the bar D is tilted in one direction the pairs of plates at both ends of the drawer will be shifted laterally in the guide 0 and the bars B B will be separated and brought together, always maintaining parallelism.

It is obvious that the bar D may be in any suitable form, such as a bar that is rectangular throughout, or it may be a Wire flattened on the ends, so as to produce a portion capable of engaging the interdental spaces or recesses d d of the plates, and, if desired, it may be pivoted in the ends of the casing or drawer A, although in the form shown in Figs. 1 to 8 the bar is not so pivoted.

An operating-handle or equivalent mechanism is employed for tilting the bar D. This may be of any suitable form; but I prefer to use the form shown herein, which consists of an arm or lever E, attached to the bar. For ease of manufacture and assembling I prefer that this lever be bent into U shape at the lower end and have a slot to lit the bar D, as shown in Fig. 3. When this mechanism is adapted to lock the bar D in one or both of its tilted positions, a spring 8 is employed to press the arm orleverE against It is obvious a catch-plate E, provided with projections e, adapted to engage the lever E in any suitable 1nanneras, for instance, a rib or projection e thereon. As shown in Fig. 2, there are two of these projections e on the guard or catch plate E, whereby the lever E may be held in either of its two tilted positions. One of the projections 6 represents the extreme separated position of the bars 13 B, as shown in full lines in Fig. 2, and the other of which (shown in dotted lines) represents said bars in their closest position, as shown in Fig. 1. The lever E is shown inside the front end of the drawer and with its connections covered by the block E" but the lever may be outside the end of the drawer-for instance, as shown in Fig. 12. The U-shaped end e of the lever E is a convenient construction, because the lever E cannot slip along the bar D, since one arm of the U-shaped end will strike the end of the bar D and limit the movement of the lever thereon, and it is easy and cheap to manufacture and assemble.

The various parts of the device hereinbefore explained are particularly adapted for cheap manufacture and assembling in quantities. The plates 0 O (3 may be stamped out and formed entirely by dies with the greatest cheapness. The bars B and B rest in their sockets c c and do not require fastening to the plates,'although they may be so fastened or made integral therewith, if desired.

The device shown in Figs. 12 and 13 embodies the same invention as that hereinhefore described. The bars F F move laterally to and from each other and each bar is attached to one of a pair of operating-plates ff at each end of the drawer for the cards. An operating-bar G is employed, having flattened portions g, Fig. 13, on each end adapted to engage notches or indentations or recesses f and f in the platesf and f, so that said flattened portions 9 and the indentations or recesses f f" act like a pinion on the operating-rod engaging in teeth in the plates. The plates are suitably guided to produce the rectilinear motion that occurs in separating the barsF F and in bringing them together. A suitable mode of producing this guiding action is to make matching slots in the plates ff and to pass screws f through the slots and into the casing of the drawer, tray, or support. A handle H is provided for the operating-rod, which may, if desired, be provided with a self-locking mechanism, such as a pin 71 on the handle and sockets h in the drawer-front, into which the pin it maybe set. In order that the pin may drop automatically into the sockets, I provide a spring 72, surrounding the operating-rod G outside the rear end of the drawer or casing and pressing against a nut or collar it upon said rod and against the back of the drawer. If the handle H is pulled outward from the front a of the casing, the spring 71 will be compressed and the pin 72, will be withdrawn from its socket 7t, whereupon the handle can be turned to tilt the operating-rod. When the pin 71 is again opposite one of its sockets, the spring 7L2 sets it in the socket automatically.

In Figs. 14 and 15 are shown a slight-lymodified form of operating mechanism for the locking-bars B B. The operating-plates N N have perforations an, each provided with a notch or recess n n' as before; but in order to reverse the throw of the plates the end of the operating-bar D is cut out to form in its opposite edges two teeth or pins d' which engage in the oppositely-arranged notches or recesses n a" In Fig. 16 the operating-plates O O are perforated, and in the opposite edges of the two perforations recesses, notches, or teeth 0 0 are cut, which mesh with a pinion O on the operating-bar, whereby a still greater throw of the operating-plates is accomplished.

I provide also a follower mechanism in this device for a well-known purpose.

In the bottom of the frame or drawer is fastened a plate I, which may have a series of indentations or sockets t' in a suitable line and on the upper side thereof. The edge of theplate I is turned down, at t", Figs. 9 and 10. The follower-block J is adapted to move along said frame and is cut out so as to bridge over the locking-bars B B and the operatingbar D. The plate I is as long as the path of movement of the follower-block J. To the lower face of the follower is attached a plate j, that is grooved or bent under and around the downwardly-turned edge t" of the plate I, so as to engage and press upwardly against it, thus forming a guide or track whereby the follower is guided in its movement along the tray and is retained therein. The plate j may have sufiicient tension and pressure against the plate I as toretain the follower in any desired position. The downwardlyturned edge 2 adds greatly to the stiffness of the guide I. I prefer, however, to use a mechanism for locking the follower positively in place, one element of which is the sockets or indentations t' in the bar I, the other of which is a spring-operated lever K, preferably of bell-crank form, having a projection 70, adapted to engage in said sockets or indentations t', pivoted to the follower, as at 7t, and normally pressed by the spring k to press downwardly on the plate I and to engage with said sockets or indentations. Still in many cases the projection 7t and sockets '2' may be dispensed with and the pressure of the lever on the plate I will be sufficient to hold the follower in place. On pressing the lever K, so as to compress the spring R the locking-lever is withdrawn from the indentation in which its projection 7t rested and may be moved along the drawer. On releasing the locking lever K from pressure the projection It is set in any socket t' that may bedesired and holds the follower firmly in place.

In Fig. 11 is shown a portion of a card L, having the slot 1 extending inwardly from its edge and the expanded portion Z at the inner end of said slot Z. This form of slotted card is adapted for use in the locking device hereinbefore mentioned, although cards having slots of many other forms are capable of use with this locking device.

What I claim is- 1. In a file for cards and the like, a frame, a pair of locking-bars, an operating-plate attached transversely to each end of each bar, there being oppositely-arranged recesses in the operating-plates of each pair, an operating-bar provided with means engaging said oppositely-arranged recesses, and means for turning said operating bar, whereby the locking-bars are separated and brought-together, substantially as described.

2. In a file for cards and the like, a frame, a pair of locking-bars, an operating-plate attached transversely to each end of each bar, there being oppositely-arranged recesses in the operatiugplates of each pair, stops for limiting the throw of said plates, an operating-bar provided with means engaging said oppositely-arranged recesses, and means for turning sai'd operating-bar, whereby the locking-bars are separated and brought together, substantially as described.

3. In a file for cards and the like, .a frame, a pair of locking-bars, an operating-plate on the end of each bar in which the end of the bar is inserted, there being oppositely-arranged recesses in the operating-plates of each pair, an operating-bar provided with means engaging said oppositely-arranged recesses, and means for turning said operatingbar, whereby the locking-bars are separated and brought together, substantially as described.

4. In a file for cards and the like, a frame, a pair of locking-bars, an operating-plate on each end of each barin which the end of the bar is inserted, there being oppositely-arranged recesses in the operating-plates of each pair, stops for limiting the throw of said plates, an operating-bar provided with means engaging said oppositely-arranged recesses, and means for turning said operating-bar, whereby the locking-bars are separated and brought together, substantially as described.

5. In a file for cards and the like, a frame, a pair of locking-bars having reduced ends, an operating-plate having a perforation fitting upon each reduced end of said lockingbar, there being oppositely-arranged recesses in the operating-plates of each pair, an operating-bar provided with teeth simultaneously engaging said oppositely-arranged recesses, and means for turning said operating-bar, whereby the locking-bars are separated and brought together, substantially as described.

6. In a file for cards and the like, a frame, a pair of locking-bars having reduced ends, an operating-plate having a perforation fitting upon each reduced end of each locking bar, there being oppositely-arranged recesses in the operating-plates of each pair, an operating-bar provided with teeth adapted to engage simultaneously said oppositely-arranged recesses, means for turning said operatingbar whereby the locking-bars are separated and brought together, and spring-catch devices for holding said locking-bars in their extreme positions of separation and proximity, substantially as described.

7. In a file for cards and the like, a frame, apair of locking-bars, an operatingplate having a socket fitting upon each end of each bar, there being oppositely-arranged recesses in the operating-plates of each pair, an operating-bar provided with means engaging said oppositely-arranged recesses, a lever set on the end of said operating-bar for turning the same, whereby the locking-bars are separated and brought together, and spring-catch devices for retaining said lever in the positions corresponding to the extreme separation and proximity of the locking-bars, substantially as described.

8. In a file for cards and the like, a frame, a pair of locking-bars, an operating-plate having sockets fitting upon each end of each bar, there being oppositely-arranged recesses in the operating-plates of each pair, an operating-plate provided with teeth engaging said oppositely arranged recesses, and a lever having a U-shaped end, one arm of which is perforated to set on the end of said lockingbar, whereby the locking-bars are separated and brought together, a plate on said frame having projections, and a spring for pressing said lever into engagement with said projections, whereby the locking-bars are held in theirextreme positions of separation and proximity, substantially as described.

9. In a file for cards and the like, a frame, a pair of locking-bars, an operating-plate for each end of each locking-bar havinga socket for the end of the locking-bar and a perforation for the passage therethrough of the other locking-bar, there being also perforations having oppositely-arranged recesses in the operating-plates of each pair, a guide-plate at each end of the frame having grooved ways for a pair of said operating-plates, an operating-bar having oppositely-arranged teeth engaging said oppositely-arranged recesses, and means for turning said operating-bar, whereby the locking-bars are separated and brought together, substantially as described.

10. In a file for cards and the like, a frame, a pair of locking-bars, an operating-plate for each end of each locking-bar having a socket for the end of the locking-bar, and a perforation for the passage therethrough of the other locking-bar, there being also perforations having oppositely-arranged recesses in the operating-plates of each pair, a guideplate at each end of the frame having grooved ways for a pairof said operating-plates, stops for limiting the throw of the plates, an operating-bar having oppositely-arranged teeth engaging with the recesses in a pair of the operating-plates, and means for turning said operating-bar, whereby the locking-bars are separated and brought together, substantially as described.

11. In a file for cards and the like, a frame, a follower-block adapted to move along said frame, a plate in said frame having a downwardly-turned edge set underneath the follower-block and as long as the path of movement thereof, and a plate attached to said block engaging and fitting upwardly against said downwardly-turned edge, whereby the follower-block is held in the frame and its movements are guided therein, substantially as described.

12. In a file for cards and the like, a frame, a follower-block adapted to move along said frame, a plate in said frame having a downwardly-turned edge set underneath the followerblock, and a plate attached to said block and having a grooved portion engaging and fitting upwardly against said downwardly-turned edge, whereby the followerblock is held in the frame and its movements are guided th erein,substantially as described.

. 13. In a file for cards and the like, a frame,

a follower-block adapted to move along said frame, a plate in said frame having a downwardly-turned edge set underneath the follower-block and as long as the path of movement thereof, and a plate attached to said block engaging and fitting upwardly against said downwardly-turned edge, whereby the follower-block is held in the frame and its movements are guided therein, and a springoperated lever attached to said follower-block and adapted to press downwardly on said plate, substantially as described.

14. In a file for cards and the like, a frame, a follower-block adapted to move along said frame, a plate in said frame having a downwardly-turned edge set underneath the follower block, and a plate attached to said block and having a grooved portion engaging and fitting upwardly against said downwardly-turned edge, whereby the followerblock is held in the frame and its movements are guided therein, and a spring-operatedlever attached to said follower-block and adapted to press downwardly on said plate, substantially as described.

LUTHER O. MCNEAL.

Witnesses:

F. BIssELL, NELSON E. SPENCER. 

